ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Michele Bachmann has an escape hatch if she can't revive her sputtering presidential campaign: The Minnesota Republican never ruled out a return to Congress.

A loyal GOP base back home, uncertainty over district boundaries and tepidness by possible successors are helping keep Bachmann's political options open. But among party operatives and past allies, there are increasing doubts that Bachmann will try to reclaim her seat - or would even want to go back to the House.

Bachmann regularly finds herself at odds with Republican leaders on strategy and policy. And the possibility of lucrative TV or speaking circuit contracts could prove more enticing.

In June, Bachmann said she had "suspended" congressional campaign activities and drew down her campaign account. State law gives her until June 5 to file for re-election.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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